India-UK Ties Soar: Modi, Starmer Push For Trade And Tech Collaboration At G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a productive meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on enhancing ties in technology, green energy, security, and trade.

Following the meeting, Modi expressed India’s commitment to strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK. In a post on X, he wrote, “Had an extremely productive meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Rio de Janeiro. For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK is of immense priority. In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, innovation, and technology. We also want to add strength to trade as well as cultural linkages.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the bilateral talks gave a “fresh impetus” to the India-UK partnership. Discussions included the need for a balanced and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Downing Street echoed similar sentiments, confirming the UK’s commitment to pursuing a new strategic partnership with India. A statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted plans to relaunch trade negotiations with India in the new year. Starmer emphasized that a trade deal with one of the fastest-growing economies would boost jobs and prosperity in the UK.

The meeting also underscored shared interests in security, education, technology, and climate change, aiming to foster deeper bilateral cooperation.

During his visit to Rio, Modi also held discussions with several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His conversation with Macron explored collaboration in space, energy, and artificial intelligence.

Modi’s presence at the G20 Summit, following a two-day trip to Nigeria, reaffirmed India’s active engagement in global diplomacy, addressing shared challenges and opportunities across regions.